Monitoring of tool calibration status in automated tool control systems

ABSTRACT

A calibration monitoring system is provided to automatically monitor the calibration status of tools and other inventory items, such as upon the items being issued from or returned to the automated calibration monitoring system. The system identifies an inventory item, for example a calibrated torque wrench or other calibrated tool identified based on a unique identifying tag attached thereto. The system retrieves a calibration parameter value for the item from a calibration database, and completes a calibration measurement of the item based on the calibration parameter value. In the example, a torque measurement of the calibrated torque wrench can thus be automatically completed. In turn, the system determines a current calibration status of the item based on the calibration measurement, and selectively enables or disables issuance of the inventory item from the system according to the item&#39;s status as being in calibration or out of calibration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/567,510, filed on Oct. 3, 2017 in the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to techniques and equipment formonitoring of tool calibration statuses of tools in automated toolcontrol systems.

BACKGROUND

Torque wrenches have long been used in industry to accurately tightenfasteners in assembly, maintenance and repair operations. This isespecially true in the aerospace industry, where use of torque wrenchesis required and tightly controlled.

In the aerospace and other industries, torque wrenches are required tobe calibrated by users on a regular basis. In general, the calibrationinvolves the user performing a torque test of a tool, the user recordingof the torque test result in a log to create a record of toolcalibration for future reference, and the user determining whether thetool should be used depending on the result of the torque test. Theprocedures used for tool calibration and recording are generallyperformed by the user manually, and both calibration and recording istherefore subject to human error. For example, if a torque test resultis incorrectly recorded or an incorrect target range is used, a torquewrench having an incorrect calibration value may continue to be used intorqueing and tightening of fasteners despite the tool applying anunknown and potentially incorrect torque load on the fasteners. Whenthis condition is discovered, each fastener joint torqued by theout-of-calibration wrench (e.g., every fastener joint torqued since thewrench's last accurately recorded calibration operation) is suspect andmust generally be checked and re-torqued.

A need therefore exists for a system configured to automatically monitorthe calibration status of tools and control tool check-in and check-outof such tools from an automated tool control system based on thecalibration status.

SUMMARY

The teachings herein alleviate one or more of the above noted problemsso as to automatically monitor the calibration status of tools or otherinventory objects using an automated calibration monitoring system.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an automatedcalibration monitoring system includes a plurality of storage locationsconfigured to store inventory items including a calibrated inventoryitem, a database, and a processor. The database stores information oninventory items, including the calibrated inventory item, associatedwith the automated calibration monitoring system and configured forstorage in the plurality of storage locations of the automatedcalibration monitoring system. The database further stores a calibrationparameter value for the calibrated inventory item. The processor isconfigured to, upon the calibrated inventory item being issued from orreturned to the automated calibration monitoring system, compare acalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item with thecalibration parameter value for the calibrated inventory item.

The processor may selectively authorize the issue or return of thecalibrated inventory item according to a result of the comparison.

The automated calibration monitoring system may further include acalibration measurement device communicatively connected to theprocessor and configured to perform a calibration measurement of thecalibrated inventory item to obtain the calibration measurement. Thecalibration measurement device may communicate the obtained calibrationmeasurement to the processor.

The calibrated inventory item may be a torque wrench, and thecalibration measurement instrument may be a torque tester.

The processor may be further configured to, upon the calibratedinventory item being issued from or returned to the automatedcalibration monitoring system, transmit a calibration target value forthe calibrated inventory item to the calibration measurement device. Theprocessor may receive the obtained calibration measurement from thecalibration measurement device after the transmission of the calibrationtarget value.

The calibration parameter value stored in the database may include anacceptable range of calibration parameter values stored in the database,and the processor may selectively authorize the issue or return of thecalibrated inventory item when the calibration measurement is within theacceptable range of calibration parameter values.

The automated calibration monitoring system may further include asensing device configured to sense information used by the processor todetermine the presence or absence of inventory items in the plurality ofstorage locations. The processor may be configured to determine presenceof the calibrated inventory item in a storage location of the pluralityof storage locations based on the information sensed by the sensingdevice.

The sensing device may include an image sensor configured to captureimages of storage locations of the automated calibration monitoringsystem, and the processor may be configured to determine presence of thecalibrated inventory item by determining whether the calibratedinventory item is present in an image captured by the image sensor.

Each inventory item associated with the automated calibration monitoringsystem may have a tag uniquely identifying the inventory item, and theprocessor may be configured to uniquely identify an inventory itempresent in a storage location of the plurality of storage locations byrecognizing the tag uniquely identifying the inventory item in theinformation sensed by the sensing device.

Each inventory item associated with the automated inventory controlsystem may have a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag uniquelyidentifying the inventory item, and the automated inventory controlsystem may further include an RFID sensor configured to read RFID tagsof inventory items located within the plurality of storage locations.

The database may store records of work orders associated with previousissuances of the calibrated inventory item, and the database may storerecords of previous calibration measurements of the calibrated inventoryitem.

The processor may be configured to, upon determining that the comparedcalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item is inconsistentwith the calibration parameter value for the calibrated inventory item,retrieve from the database all records of work orders associated withthe calibrated inventory item and corresponding to issuances of thecalibrated inventory item following the last stored record of a previouscalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a method forautomated monitoring of calibration of inventory items in an automatedcalibration monitoring system includes identifying, using a sensor ofthe automated calibration monitoring system configured to sense presenceor absence of inventory items, a calibrated inventory item subject tomonitoring of calibration. A calibration parameter value for theidentified calibrated inventory item is retrieved from a databasecommunicatively connected to the automated calibration monitoring systemand storing calibration parameter values for each of a plurality ofinventory items. A calibration status of the calibrated identifiedinventory item is determined based on a comparison of a calibrationmeasurement of the calibrated inventory item with the retrievedcalibration parameter value for the calibrated inventory item.

The automated calibration monitoring system may selectively authorizethe issue or return of the calibrated inventory item from a storagelocation of the automated calibration monitoring system according to aresult of the determination.

The method may further include, prior to the determining, receiving,from a calibration measurement device communicatively connected to theautomated calibration monitoring system and configured to perform acalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item, thecalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item.

The calibrated inventory item may be a torque wrench, and thecalibration measurement instrument may be a torque tester.

The method may further include transmitting a calibration target valuefor the calibrated inventory item to the calibration measurement device,where the automated calibration monitoring system receives thecalibration measurement from the calibration measurement device afterthe transmission of the calibration target value.

Each inventory item associated with the automated calibration monitoringsystem may have a tag uniquely identifying the inventory item, and theautomated calibration monitoring system may be configured to uniquelyidentify the calibrated inventory item by recognizing the tag uniquelyidentifying the calibrated inventory item in information sensed by thesensor.

Each inventory item associated with the automated inventory controlsystem may have a visible tag uniquely identifying the inventory item,and the automated inventory control system may identify the calibratedinventory item by identifying the visible tag of the calibratedinventory item in an image captured by an image sensing device of theautomated inventory control system.

Each inventory item associated with the automated inventory controlsystem may have a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag uniquelyidentifying the inventory item, and the automated inventory controlsystem may identify the calibrated inventory item by reading the RFIDtag of the calibrated inventory item.

Additional advantages and novel features will be set forth in part inthe description which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following and theaccompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation ofthe examples. The advantages of the present teachings may be realizedand attained by practice or use of various aspects of the methodologies,instrumentalities and combinations set forth in the detailed examplesdiscussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of an automated calibrationmonitoring device that can support the calibration monitoring servicesdescribed herein.

FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of an automated calibrationmonitoring system that can support the calibration monitoring servicesdescribed herein.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an automated tool control system thatmay support the calibration monitoring services described herein.

FIG. 2B is a top view of an open drawer of the automated tool controlsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2E show various illustrative tags that can be used touniquely identify inventory items in the automated tool control systemshown in FIG. 2A and other automated calibration monitoring devices.

FIGS. 3A-3E show simplified flow diagrams illustrating methods involvedin supporting automated calibration monitoring services throughautomated calibration monitoring devices and/or systems like those shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 4A-4D show simplified functional block diagrams showinginformation flow involved in providing the calibration monitoringservices between components of the automated calibration monitoringdevices and/or systems like those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 5 is a simplified functional block diagram of a computer that maybe configured as a host or server, for example, to function as thecalibration server or inventory control server supporting databases inthe automated calibration monitoring system of FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilledin the art that the present teachings may be practiced without suchdetails. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components,and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, withoutdetail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the presentteachings.

The various systems and methods disclosed herein relate to the automatedmonitoring of tool calibration status in automated tool control systems.

The automated monitoring of tool calibration status is performed using acalibration measurement instrument or device such as an electronictorque tester. The calibration measurement device is communicativelyconnected with an automated calibration monitoring device, such as anautomated inventory control system, which stores calibrated devices suchas calibrated torque wrenches and other calibrated tools and monitorsthe tools issuances/removals from and returns to the system. Thecalibration measurement device additionally communicates with acalibration database storing calibration values for the tools. Theautomated calibration monitoring device is configured to uniquelyidentify tools (and other objects, reference generally as inventoryitems) stored therein, and to selectively allow issue of individualtools/objects/inventory-items from storage and/or return of thetools/objects into storage based on the result of a calibrationmeasurement such as a torque measurement of the tools/objects. Inoperation, the calibration measurement device, such as the electronictorque tester, receives a unique identification of a tool/object fromthe automated calibration monitoring device, retrieves a calibrationvalue for the identified tool/object from the calibration database, andperforms a calibration measurement based on the retrieved calibrationvalue. In turn, the automated calibration monitoring device determineswhether the calibration measurement is within an acceptable range forthe tool/object, and selectively allows issue of the tool/object fromthe automated calibration monitoring device and/or return of thetool/object to the automated calibration monitoring device based on theresult of the determination (e.g., based on determining that thetool/object is accurately calibrated).

In one example, the tool/object is a calibrated torque wrench that isdesigned to apply a pre-calibrated maximum torque value stored in thecalibration database. In the example, the automated calibrationmonitoring device uniquely identifies the torque wrench on the basis ofa tag or identifier applied thereto, and detects that a user has removedthe torque wrench from the automated calibration monitoring device.Based on the detection, the automated calibration monitoring deviceprompts a user to test a current calibration of the torque wrench and,for measurement purposes, communicates the calibration value for thetorque wrench to an electronic torque tester. Upon a torque measurementbeing performed on the torque wrench based on the communicatedcalibration value, the automated calibration monitoring devicedetermines whether the measurement falls within an acceptable rangesurrounding the calibration value and allows issue of the torque wrenchfrom the automated calibration monitoring device. However, if themeasurement falls outside of the acceptable range surrounding thecalibration value, the automated calibration monitoring device alertsthe user and instructs the user to return the torque wrench to theautomated calibration monitoring device for recalibration.

In general, the tools or other inventory objects stored in the automatedcalibration monitoring device are individually identifiable by theautomated calibration monitoring device. For this purpose, thetools/objects can have tags or other identifiers applied thereto toenable tools/objects that visually appear similar to each other (e.g.,two visually identical torque wrenches) to be uniquely/individuallyidentified. The tags or identifiers may encode a tool's serial number orother unique identifier, and enable the calibration status of eachtool/object to be individually monitored and recorded in associationwith the tool/object's unique identifier. The calibration of eachtool/object can then be monitored upon each issuance or return of thetool/object from/to the automated calibration monitoring device, and/oron a pre-scheduled basis, on a periodic basis based on a number ofissues/returns since a previous calibration measurements, or the like.

Each tool/object's issuance and/or return can further be associated witha work order or job order, and the tool/object's most recently recordedcalibration measurement value can be associated with each operation(e.g., tightening of each bolt or fastener) performed as part of thework order or job order. In this way, a record is created for auditingpurposes of all operations performed by a tool/object betweencalibration measurements in case the tool/object is determined to haveveered out of calibration during a next calibration measurementoperation.

Reference now is made in detail to the examples illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and discussed below.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing components of an automatedcalibration monitoring device 100, such as the automated tool controlsystem 200 functioning as a calibration monitoring device illustrativelyshown in FIG. 2A. The automated calibration monitoring device 100 may beused as part of an automated calibration monitoring system 190 such asthat shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the automated calibration monitoring device 100includes storage locations 130 for storing objects/tools therein, andone or more sensing subsystem(s) 150 for determining the inventorystatus of objects/tools in the automated calibration monitoring device100. Additionally, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 caninclude one or more of a user interface 105, an access control device106, and a network interface 108. The automated calibration monitoringdevice 100 can also include a direct wired or wireless communicationinterface, such as a Bluetooth communication interface for communicatingdirectly with a calibration device 160 or other automated calibrationmonitoring device.

The storage locations 130 are provided within a body of the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 within which tools/objects can besecurely stored. The storage locations 130 can include one or morestorage drawers (see, e.g., 230 in FIGS. 2A-2C), shelves, cabinet doors,or the like.

The user interface 105 may include one or more user input/outputdevices, such as a display (e.g., a touch-sensitive display), akeyboard, a mouse or touchpad, a speaker and/or microphone, or the like.The user interface 105 can be used to output information to a user ofthe device 100 (e.g., via display) and/or receive input and selectionsfrom the user (e.g., via a touch-sensitive input device).

The access control device 106 may include one or more of a card reader(e.g., identification card reader), an iris scanner, or the like forreceiving identification information from a user seeking access to thedevice 100. The access control device 106 can also include an alarm usedfor issuing alerts in response to detecting unauthorized accessattempts, and a locking mechanism used to securely lock or block accessto the storage locations 130 when no authorized user is logged into thedevice 100.

The network interface 108 enables the automated calibration monitoringdevice 100 to communicate across one or more wired or wireless networkswith other networked automated calibration monitoring devices (e.g., 100a-100 n in FIG. 1B), calibration device(s) (e.g., 160 a-160 m in FIG.1B), a calibration database 170, an automated inventory control database(e.g., 180 in FIG. 1B), and/or other components of a networked automatedcalibration monitoring system 190 (see FIG. 1B) that may be used tomonitor the calibration of and inventory statuses of objects/toolsacross multiple automated calibration monitoring devices 100.

The automated calibration monitoring device 100 is further configured toinclude or interface with a calibration device 160 (e.g., a calibrationmeasurement device) and a calibration database 170. As shown in dashedlines in FIG. 1A, the calibration device 160 and calibration database170 can be located within the automated calibration monitoring device100 and can interface directly with the automated calibration monitoringdevice 100. Alternatively, the calibration device 160 and calibrationdatabase 170 can be located separate from the automated calibrationmonitoring device 160 and be communicatively connected to the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 through a wired or wirelesscommunication link and/or network (see, e.g., FIG. 1B).

As described in further detail below, the calibration device 160 may beused to measure a calibration status of a tool/object. In some examples,the calibration device 160 can take the form of a torque tester or othertorque measurement device configured to measure an output torque of atorque wrench. For example, the calibration device 160 may be anelectronic torque tester such as a torque tester including apiezoelectric torque transducer mounted in a frame and operative tooperative to take torque readings and communicate the torque readings tothe automated calibration monitoring device 100. The calibration device160 optionally includes a display for display of the calibrationmeasurements (e.g., torque readings) to users. In various examples, thetorque transducers in a calibration device 160 can be sized formeasuring various applied torque loads. Additionally, the calibrationdevice 160 can be communicatively connected to the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 or to a network to enable calibration measurementdata to be transferred through wired or wireless communicationinterfaces and links

While the foregoing description has detailed an example of a calibratedtorque wrench and associated torque tester as a tool/object andcalibration device 160 associated therewith, the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 can be used with other types of calibrated tools.As one example, the calibrated torque wrench may have an associatedtorque calibration value and/or angle calibration value for measurementby the calibration device 160. As another example, the calibrated toolmay be a torque screwdriver having an associated torque calibrationvalue and/or angle calibration value for measurement by the calibrationdevice 160. As a further example, a precision caliper may be used forprecise distance/width/length measurements and may have its calibrationmeasured and monitored using a calibration device 160 such as aprecision measurement tool. As another example, a digital multimeterused for electrical measurements may be used for precise voltage,current, and resistance measurements and may have its calibrationmeasured and monitored using a calibration device 160 such as aprecision voltage/current/resistance measurer.

The automated calibration monitoring device 100 further includes a dataprocessing system 140, such as a computer, for controlling thefunctioning of the automated calibration monitoring device 100. Forpurposes of inventory control, the data processing system 140 processessensing data received from sensing subsystem(s) 150 and determinesinventory conditions of objects/tools and storage locations 130 based onthe sensing data. In one example, the data processing system 140processes images captured by a camera or other image sensing deviceand/or signals received by RFID sensors. The data processing system 140includes one or more processors 142 (e.g., micro-processors) and memory144 (including non-transitory memory, read only memory (ROM), randomaccess memory (RAM), or the like). The memory 144 includes a programmemory storing program instructions for causing the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 to perform calibration monitoring andinventory control functions such as those described herein. The memory144 also includes a database of object/tool information, which mayinclude object/tool identifiers, object/tool images, object/tool taginformation (e.g., for RFID or bar-code tags), object/tool inventorystatus and calibration status information, and the like. The programinstructions further cause the device 100 to communicate withcalibration device(s) 160 to obtain calibration measurements forobjects/tools as described in further detail below.

The components of the automated calibration monitoring device 100 ofFIG. 1A are communicatively connected with each other, for example via acommunication bus or other communication links. The data processingsystem 140 functions as a central processing unit (CPU) for executingprogram instructions, such as program instructions stored in anon-transitory machine readable storage medium (e.g., memory 144), forcontrolling the operation of the automated calibration monitoring device100. Additionally, the sensing subsystem(s) 150 and calibrationdevice(s) 160 can include microprocessors operative to execute programinstructions and perform functions relating tosensing/monitoring/measurement operations.

The automated calibration monitoring device 100 can also be incommunication via network interface 108 with wired and/or wireless localarea and/or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet). For example, asshown in the automated calibration monitoring system 190 of FIG. 1B, themonitoring system 190 may include multiple automated calibrationmonitoring devices 100 a-100 n. Each automated calibration monitoringdevice (e.g., 100 a) may be in communication with one or more otherautomated calibration monitoring device(s) (e.g., 100 n) and/or otherelements forming an automated calibration monitoring system 190 such ascalibration device(s) 160 a-160 m, the calibration database 170(including, e.g., a calibration server storing the calibrationdatabase), and an automated inventory control database 180 (including,e.g., an inventory control server storing the inventory controldatabase). In this case, the automated calibration monitoring device 100a may communicate with the other systems and/or servers across thenetwork(s), and may exchange information on calibration measurements,inventory conditions, stored objects/tools, and operation data withthose systems and/or servers. The automated calibration monitoringdevice 100 a may alternatively or additionally communicate directly withsome of the components of the system 190, for example through directwired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) links with calibration devices 160a-160 m or other components.

The networked calibration monitoring system shown in FIG. 1B can use theWindows Communication Foundation (WCF) or similar technology to create a“network service” used to enable communications between devices anddatabases. Specifically, communications between devices and databasescan use a common protocol and information format, such as protocols andformats compatible with WCF, to store and enable easy exchange ofinventory, calibration, and other information between devices andservers.

The automated calibration monitoring device 100 can take the form of anautomated tool control system 200, such as that shown in FIG. 2A, thatprovides for the monitoring of tool calibration status (e.g., torquecalibration status). The automated tool control system 200 as depictedtakes the form of an automated tool control (ATC) toolbox, but may moregenerally take the form of an ATC locker, an ATC tool crib, or the like.The automated tool control system 200 is connected via a direct wired ordirect wireless communication link or via a wired or wireless network toa torque calibration device 207 such as a piezoelectric torquetesting/measurement device functioning as a calibration device 160. Thetorque calibration device 207 may be mounted on the automated toolcontrol system 200, as illustratively shown in FIG. 2A, or providedseparately or remotely therefrom.

While not shown in FIG. 2A, the automated tool control system 200includes a database (e.g., object database stored in memory 144 and/orcalibration database 170 and inventory control database 180) for storageand retrieval of tool related data, including torque tool usage andcalibration data. The database may be local to the automated toolcontrol system 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) or communicatively connectedthereto through a network interface (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A and 1B).

The automated tool control system 200 is an example of a highlyautomated inventory control system that utilizes one or more sensingtechnologies to identify inventory conditions of tools and other objectsin the storage unit. The term inventory condition as used throughoutthis disclosure means information relating to an existence/presence ornon-existence/absence condition of objects in the storage system, and/orinformation on the issuance and return of objects from/to the toolcontrol system 200 and storage locations 130 thereof. In variousexamples, the inventory conditions are determined using machine imaging,radio frequency (RF) sensing, and/or other sensing methodologies used bythe tool control system 200 to identify inventory conditions of objectsconfigured for storage therein.

As shown in each of FIG. 2A, the tool control system 200 includes a userinterface 205, an access control device 206, such as a card reader, forverifying identity and authorization levels of a user intending to toolcontrol system 200, and multiple tool storage drawers 230 for storingtools. Instead of drawers 230, the storage system may include shelves,compartments, trays, containers, or other object storage devices fromwhich tools or objects are issued and/or returned, or which contain thestorage device from which the objects are issued and/or returned. Infurther examples, the storage system includes storage hooks, hangers,tool boxes with drawers, lockers, cabinets with shelves and/or doors,safes, boxes, closets, vending machines, barrels, crates, and othermaterial storage means.

User interface 205 is an input and/or output device of tool controlsystem 200, configured to display information to a user including toolcalibration and measurement information. Access control device 206 isused to limit or allow access of users to the tool storage drawers 230.Access control device 206, through the use of one or more electronicallycontrolled locking devices or mechanisms, keeps some or all storagedrawers 230 locked in a closed position until access control device 206authenticates and authorizes a user for access to the storage system.The access control device 206 further includes a processor and softwareto electronically identify a user requesting access to the secure areaor object storage device and determine the level of access which shouldbe granted or denied to the identified user. If access control device206 determines that a user is authorized to access control system 200,it unlocks some or all storage drawers 230, depending on the user'sauthorization level, allowing the user to remove or replace tools. Inparticular, the access control device 206 may identify predeterminedauthorized access levels to the system (e.g., a full access levelproviding access to all drawers 230, a partial access level providingaccess only to particular drawer(s) 230, or the like), and allow or denyphysical access by the user to the three dimensional space or objectstorage devices based on those predetermined authorized levels ofaccess. The access control device 206 may also be used to deny a useraccess to drawers 230 storing tools that are identified as being out ofcalibration, and/or to deny a user access to stored tools until a toolidentified as being out-of-calibration is returned to an appropriatestorage location.

Tool control system 200 includes one or more different sensingsubsystems. In an illustrative example, the tool storage system 200includes an image-based sensing subsystem configured to capture imagesof contents or storage locations of the system using one or morecameras. The image sensing subsystem is further configured to processthe images to identify tools/objects present therein or absenttherefrom, and to determine inventory conditions based on the processedimage data. The image sensing subsystem may include one or morelens-based cameras, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, video cameras, or othertypes of devices that captures images.

The tool control system 200 can additionally or alternatively include anRFID sensing subsystem including one or more RFID antennas, RFIDtransceivers, and RFID processors. The RFID sensing subsystem isconfigured to emit RF sensing signals through the RFID transceivers andantennas when an RF-based scan of the inventory control system 200 isperformed, receive RFID signals sensed by the RFID antennas andtransceivers from RFID tags mounted on or incorporated in tools or otherinventory items in response to the emitting the RF sensing signals, andprocess the received RFID signals to identify individual tools orinventory items. Specifically, the received RFID signals may beprocessed to extract tag identification data included in the returnedRFID signals, and to identify individual tools or inventory itemslocated in the tool control system 200 based on an association betweentag identification data and tool data stored by the system.

FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of one illustrative drawer 230 of thecontrol system 200 in an open position. The storage drawer 230 includesa foam base 280 having a plurality of storage locations, such as toolcutouts 281, for storing tools. Each cutout is specifically contouredand shaped for fittingly receiving a tool with a corresponding shape.Tools may be secured in each storage location by using hooks, Velcro,latches, pressure from the foam, etc.

In general, each storage drawer 230 includes multiple storage locationsfor storing various types of tools. As used throughout this disclosure,a storage location is a location in a storage system for storing orsecuring objects. In some embodiments, each tool has a specificpre-designated storage location in the tool storage system. In otherembodiments, multiple storage locations may have similar (or identical)shapes, and several similarly shaped tools may thus be placed in any ofthe multiple storage locations.

As shown in FIG. 2B, one or more tools in the drawer 230 may have uniqueidentifiers such as identification tags 231 a and 231 b mounted orattached thereon or therein. The identification tags may be RFID tags,bar-code tags, or the like. In the case of RFID tags, the RFID tags maybe placed on a surface of the tools and may thus be visible to users,such as tag 231 a, or the RFID tags may be placed within the tool or mayotherwise not be visible to users, such as tag 231 b. In general,bar-code tags would be placed on a surface of the tools, such as tag 231a.

As illustratively shown in FIGS. 2C-2E, the tags placed on tools may bevisible and each tag may encode the identifier unique to the tool it isplaced on. The visible tags can be placed on the tools so as to bevisible to the image sensing system of the tool storage system 200. Forexample, tags can include a tag 231 c having a visible pattern thereonfor recognition by an imaging-based sensing subsystem (FIGS. 2C and 2D)or a tag 231 d disposed on or in a tool and having an RFID-readable (orother wirelessly-readable) code encoded therein (FIG. 2E). Combinationtags including both visible and RFID-readable codes may also be used.One or more of the inventory control database 180, calibration database170, and object database (stored in memory 144) store each tag's uniqueidentifier in association with information on the associatedobject/tool, such that information on each object/tool can be retrievedfrom the database(s) based of the tool tag's identifier.

The tags may be formed of a polycarbonate, polyester, or other suitablematerial, and may have an adhesive backing so as to adhere to the toolsthey are mounted on. In one example, the information encoded in the tagsis encoded using differently colored bands or stripes such as thoseshown in the illustrative example of FIG. 2C (in which white, purple,red, black, dark blue, light blue, green, and yellow stripes are shown).Both primary colors and/or blended colors may be used. Each color stripeon the tag equates to a number (or alphanumeric character) and thecombination of colors creates a code. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.2C, all stripes have a same length and width; in other embodiments,adjacent stripes may have different lengths and/or widths.

In implementations in which the sensing subsystem 150 includes anRF-based sensing subsystem, the RF sensing subsystem may be configuredto sense RFID tags of tools located in all storage locations 130 andstorage drawers 230 of system 100/200, or configured to sense RFID tagsof tools located in a particular subset of the storage locations 130 ordrawers c30 of system 100/200. In one example, the RF sensing subsystemis configured to sense RFID tags of tools located only in the top-mostand bottom-most drawers 230 of system 200, and the RF sensing subsystemincludes RFID antennas disposed directly above the top-most andbottom-most drawers 230 within system 200 to sense RFID tags of toolslocated in those drawers. Other configurations of RFID antennas can alsobe used.

As described above, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 isconfigured to monitor calibration statuses of storage objects such astools. Operation of the automated calibration monitoring device 100 willnow be described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3E which show simplified flowdiagrams outlining operations involved in automatically monitoring thecalibration status of inventory objects such as tools.

FIG. 3A shows a simplified flow diagram of a method 300 forautomatically monitoring the calibration status of objects/tools. Asshown in FIG. 3A, the method includes detecting a change in inventorycondition of at least one object/tool in step 301. For instance, theautomated calibration monitoring device 100 detects using its sensingsubsystem 150 that the inventory status of one or more objects/tools haschanged. In one example, the automated calibration monitoring device 100may detect that an object/tool that was previously stored in a storagelocation 130 of the device 100 has been removed from or issued from thestorage location. In another example, the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 may detect that an object/tool that was previouslynot stored in the device 100 has been placed in or returned to a storagelocation 130 of the device 100. In a further example, the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 may detect that an object/tool hasentered a sensing and detection range of the sensing subsystem 150, forinstance as a result of the object/tool having been placed within an RFreading range of RF sensors of the sensing subsystem 150. For instance,an RFID sensor located adjacent to the calibration device 160 may detectan object/tool's RFID tag within its sensing range and thereby satisfystep 301.

In response to the detection in step 301, the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 proceeds to verify the object calibration statusof the object/tool in step 305. The verifying of the calibration statuswill be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 3C-3E, below. Ingeneral, however, the verification may involve performing a measurementof the calibration of the object/tool using the calibration device 160and determining whether the measurement is within a calibration rangefor the object/tool. For instance, the verification may involveperforming a torque calibration measurement on a tool such as acalibrated torque wrench using an electronic torque tester, anddetermining whether the resulting torque measurement is within anacceptable range for the wrench.

FIG. 3B shows a simplified flow diagram of the method 301 for detectingthe change in the inventory condition. Note that the method 301 may beinitiated as a result of detecting a change in the inventory conditionof a tool/object by the sensing subsystem 150 of the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100. In general, the change may bedetected as part of performing a scan for objects/tools in the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 using the sensing subsystem 150 so asto identify objects/tools that may have been issued from or returned tothe device 100. The scan may be triggered automatically by the device,for example on a periodic basis. The scan may be triggered by a user,for example in response to the user selecting a calibration option onthe user interface 105 of the device 100. The scan may also be triggeredin response to detecting that a user has logged into the device 100(e.g., using the access control device 106), that a drawer 230, door, orlock of the device 100 has been opened or closed (or is being opened orclosed), that a scan request has been received via the network interface108 (e.g., from a central calibration monitoring server), or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the method 301 includes the performing of a scan ofthe inventory condition of the automated calibration monitoring device100 using the sensing subsystem 150 in step 302, and processing thesensing signals from the sensing subsystem 150. For example, in the caseof an image-based sensing subsystem, one or more images of the storagelocations 130 may be captured and processed by the data processingsystem 140 to identify objects/tools currently located in the storagelocations. In the case of an RFID-based sensing subsystem, one or moreRF scans of the device 100 may be performed and processed by the dataprocessing system 140 to identify codes of RFID tags currently locatedwithin the RF range of the RF sensing antennas.

In turn, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 proceeds instep 304 to identify objects/tools that are subject to a change ininventory condition based on the result of the scan (of step 302) and aprevious record of inventory conditions for the device 100. For example,the data processing system 140 may compare a list of objects/toolsidentified as being present in the device 100 as a result of the scan toa list of objects/tools previously recorded as being present in thedevice 100 to identify any objects/tools subject to a change ininventory status. Step 304 may result in the device 100 identifying oneor more objects that are subject to a change in inventory condition,such as one or more objects that are determined to have been returned tothe device 100, issued from the device 100.

In response to the identification of object(s) in step 304, theautomated calibration monitoring device 100 proceeds to verify theobject calibration status of the object/tool in step 305 as described inmore detail below in relation to FIGS. 3C-3E.

FIG. 3C shows a simplified flow diagram of the method 305 for verifyingthe calibration status of the identified object. The method can includethe automated calibration monitoring device 100 triggering in step 306the taking of a calibration measurement of the object(s) identified instep 304 and, based on the result of the calibration measurement,determining an up-to-date calibration status of each object in step 314.Steps 306 and 314 are described in further detail in relation to FIGS.3D and 3E, below. Note that in cases in which multiple objects/tools areidentified in step 304, step 305 may be repeated for each identifiedobject/tool.

FIG. 3D shows a simplified flow diagram of the method 306 for triggeringthe taking of a calibration measurement. In accordance with the method306, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 determines in step307 whether the object identified in step 304 is a calibrated objectthat is subject to calibration. To make the determination, the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 may consult the database of objectinformation stored in memory 144 and determine whether the object isidentified as a calibrated object therein. Additionally oralternatively, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 mayconsult the calibration database 170 or the inventory control database180 to determine whether the object is identified therein as acalibrated object. If the object is not subject to calibration, thencontrol is returned to step 301. Alternatively, in cases in whichmultiple objects are identified in step 304, control is returned to step305 to trigger calibration measurement of a next identified object.

In cases in which the object is identified as being subject tocalibration, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 proceeds tostep 309 in which at least one calibration parameter value(s) for theidentified object is retrieved from the calibration database 170. Thecalibration parameter value(s) for the identified object typicallyincludes a calibration target value and a calibration range ofacceptable calibration values. The calibration parameter value(s) canadditionally include information on the last calibration performed onthe object, such as a time of the last calibration, an elapsed timesince the last calibration, a number of issuances and/or returns sincethe last calibration, a number of operations since the last calibration,or the like.

In step 311, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 optionallydetermines whether a calibration measurement of the object is neededand, in cases in which calibration is determined not to be needed,control is returned to step 301, or to step 305 in cases in whichmultiple objects are identified in step 304. In general, the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 will by default determine that acalibration measurement is needed in step 311 such that control willproceed to step 313. However, the automated calibration monitoringdevice 100 may determine that a calibration measurement is not needed incases in which a calibration measurement was recently performed on theobject and/or in cases in which the object was identified as being outof calibration based on a previous measurement. The device 100determines that a calibration was recently performed based on the timeof the last calibration (e.g., if the last calibration measurement wasperformed less than a predetermined threshold time t prior to thecurrent time, such as less than 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week prior to thecurrent time), an elapsed time since the last calibration (e.g., if theelapsed time is less than the predetermined threshold time), a number ofissuances and/or returns since the last calibration (e.g., if the numberof issuances since the last calibration is less than a predeterminedthreshold number, such as less than 2 issuances), a number of operationssince the last calibration (e.g., if the number of operations involvingthe object since the last calibration is less than a predeterminedthreshold number, such as less than 10 fastening operations), or thelike.

In step 313, the calibration measurement of the object is performed. Themeasurement of calibration can include the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 providing instructions to a user via the userinterface 105 to perform the calibration measurement. The measurementcan further include the device 100 providing the calibration device 160with the calibration target value for the object in order to enable thecalibration device 160 to perform the measurement on the basis of thetarget value. In response to performing the measurement, the calibrationdevice 160 returns to the device 100 a calibration measurement valuecorresponding to the measured calibration of the object.

FIG. 3E shows a simplified flow diagram of the method 314 fordetermining the calibration status of the object. In accordance withmethod 314, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 receives thecalibration measurement value for the object as obtained in step 313from the calibration device 160. The device 100 proceeds in step 315 tocompare the calibration measurement value to the calibration range ofacceptable values to determine whether the measurement value fallswithin the range of acceptable values for the object. If the calibrationmeasurement value falls within the calibration range of acceptablevalues, the device 100 determines that the object is in calibration;alternatively, if the calibration measurement value falls outside of thecalibration range of acceptable values, the device 100 determines thatthe object is out of calibration.

The device proceeds in step 317 to update the calibration status (incalibration, or out of calibration) for the object in the calibrationdatabase 170 and/or the inventory control database (e.g., 180, or storedin memory 144). The calibration database 170 may additionally be updatedto store the calibration measurement value and other data relating tothe calibration measurement of step 313 (e.g., date/time of calibrationmeasurement, calibration target value used, identity of the calibrationdevice 160 used for measurement, etc.).

In turn, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 can enable ordisable the issue and/or return of objects/tools based on the updatedobject calibration status in step 319. For example, upon determiningthat the object/tool is in calibration, the automated calibrationmonitoring device 100 may enable or authorize issue and/or return of theobject/tool from/to the storage locations of the device 100.Alternatively, upon determining that the object/tool is out ofcalibration, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 may disableor block issue of the object/tool from the device 100 and may requestthat the object/tool be promptly returned to the device 100.

The foregoing discussion has focused on situations in which one or morecalibrated objects/tools (e.g., a torque tool such as a torque wrench)are issued. The system can handle situations in which a singleobject/tool is issued by assuming the single issued tool is the onlytool available for calibration measurement and by associating allcalibration measurement related data and results received from thecalibration device 160 pertain to the single object/tool being issued orreturned.

In cases in which multiple objects/tools are being issued or returned atthe same time, there are various options which can be presented by thesystem. One option is to provide the user with a choice. The systemdisplays via the user interface 105 a list of calibrated objects/toolsbeing issued or returned and the user selects one for the currentcalibration measurement and proceeds to perform the calibrationmeasurement on the selected object/tool. Once the calibrationmeasurement of the selected object/tool is completed, the object/tooldisappears from the display screen and the user is given the opportunityto select a next object/tool for calibration.

An alternative provides for the system to select which object/tool is tobe subject to calibration measurement and to display system-selectedobject/tool's data on the display screen. The user is then charged withproviding the selected object/tool to the calibration device 160 for thecalibration measurement. After this tool is tested, a next object/toolis selected by the system and identification for the next object/tool isdisplayed. The process is repeated until all objects/tools being issuedand returned are subject to calibration measurement.

A further alternative provides a sensing subsystem 150 on or adjacent tothe calibration device 160 to enable the calibration device (e.g., atorque testing device) to directly sense and identify the uniqueidentifier attached to an object/tool provided therein for calibration.For example, an RFID sensor provided adjacent to the calibration device160 and having a short RFID reading range (e.g., up to 20 centimeters infront of the calibration device 160) may be used to automaticallyidentify objects/tools with RFID tags that are located in closeproximity to the calibration device 160. The calibration device 160 canthen report measured calibration values together with the identity ofthe object/tool detected in its close proximity to the automatedcalibration monitoring system.

A purpose of the systems and methods disclosed herein is to provide anefficient process for enabling the automated monitoring of toolcalibration using, e.g., an automated tool control system in concertwith a calibration device such as torque testing device. As detailed, anumber of efficiencies and advanced functionalities are enabled throughthe combined use of the devices executing advanced functions enabled bysoftware programming executed on system processors.

The systems and method described above make use of databases storingcalibration data for objects/tools. The calibration monitoring system190 can include individual data stores or databases in individualcalibration monitoring devices 100 a-100 n and/or one or morecentralized master databases residing in one or more central servers. Ingeneral, calibration related data for each of the calibrated objects,tools, and other inventory items are pre-stored in the calibrationdatabase 170 and/or preloaded into the memory 144 of an automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 for use in calibration statusmonitoring as described above.

In general, the calibration data for tools stored in the calibrationdatabase 170 includes one or more of the data entries shown in Table 1below:

Last Calibration Calibration Calibration Last Object/Tool TargetAcceptable Measurement Calibration Object/Tool ID Description ValueRange Value Timestamp X450-400 ATECH3F250 100 ft-lb 98-102 ft-lb 100ft-lb Sep. 20, 2017 Torque 12:00:00 Wrench GMT . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .

In more detail, the calibration database 170 can store the followingdata for each calibration tool/object:

-   -   a) a device identifier code, such as a unique tool ID and/or the        code included on a tag attached to the object/tool;    -   b) a description of the object/tool;    -   c) a calibration target value for the object/tool, corresponding        to the calibration value to which the object/tool should be        calibrated. The calibration target value can be provided as a        single target value or as a target calibration profile including        a plurality of target values each associated with applied test        criteria (e.g., a different applied load, such as 40, 80, 120,        160 and 200 N*m). When a target calibration profile is used, the        calibration measurement includes measuring the object/tool's        calibration as each of the test criteria are sequentially        applied thereto and reporting of the measurement obtained for        each test criteria;    -   d) a calibration target acceptable range, corresponding to a        range of calibration values within which the object/tool is        considered to be in calibration. The target acceptable range can        be expressed as a range of calibration values and/or as a        percentage of deviation from the calibration target value (e.g.,        +/−0.5%);    -   e) one or more previous calibration measurement values,        corresponding to the last recorded calibration measurement        value/level and, optionally, additional previous recorded        calibration measurement values/levels;    -   f) timestamp(s) (e.g., date(s) and time(s)) of each of the one        or more previous calibration measurement values;    -   g) optionally, calibration device identity (e.g., transducer ID        and, optionally, capacity rating) of the calibration device 160        used for each of the one or more previous calibration        measurement values;    -   h) when appropriate, the database can also store: (i) units of        measurement for each calibration target value, range, and        previous calibration measurement), (ii) a deflection or angular        displacement (e.g., for each previous calibration measurement, a        deflection or an angular measurement of the displacement reached        during the calibration test) or a measure of calibration curve        fit, (iii) air pressure and/or temperature (e.g., for each        previous calibration measurement), or the like.

In addition, the calibration database 170 can store additionalcalibration data including an object/tool calibration interval orschedule (e.g., indicating a maximum interval between calibrations ofthe instruction), that can include a next calibration due date (e.g.,calculated based on the object calibration schedule and the date of thelast calibration measurement) which may be recorded by date or by timeinterval (e.g., measured in minutes, hours, days, weeks, or the like),by number of uses, by number of days, or the like. The calibrationinterval or schedule, when stored, may be specific to each tool/objectsuch that a different schedule is stored for each tool; specific to acategory of tool/object such that a same schedule is stored for eachtool category while different schedules are stored for different toolcategories; or the same for all tools/objects.

The calibration database 170 can store further calibration dataincluding object calibration data, including maximum and/or minimumacceptable torque level ranges at various loads, and/or maximum and/orminimum acceptable torque angular displacement ranges at various loads(e.g., in the case the tools/objects are calibrated torque wrenches).

The calibration database 170 can store further calibration dataincluding process data, which may include (a) calibration and testprocess data per ISO 6789-2:2017; (b) conformance tests to ISO6789-1:2017; (c) uncertainty tests to ISO 6789-2:2017; (d) 20%, 60%,100% max torque values for each tool/object; (e) number of test pointsrequired; (f) a target torque value; and/or (g) upper and lower limits.

One of the calibration database 170, the inventory control database 180,and/or the memory 144 of the automated calibration monitoring device 100may additionally store data associated with each object/tool includingdata identifying the object/tool (such as a part number, a description,or other a unique identifier), a storage location for the object/toolwithin the device 100, a manufacturer or supplier, relatedobjects/tools/parts, or the like.

Data associated to the specific torque device and related to calibrationof the device can include calibration intervals, scheduled calibration,last calibration, optimal torque profile, torque applied and resultingangular displacement, calibrated torque values, pass/fail criteria, orthe like.

A variety of configurations of the automated calibration monitoring(ACM) device 100 in combination with the calibration device 160 (e.g.,torque tester), the calibration database 170, the inventory control (IC)database 180, and the object/tool 401 subject to calibration measurementand testing will be described below.

FIGS. 4A-4D show various system connection configurations that may beused in the automated calibration monitoring systems described above. InFIG. 4A, a first configuration is used in which the object/tool 401subject to calibration measurement is not configured for electronic datatransfer or communication (or the object/tool's electronic data transferor communication functionality is not used). In this case, thecalibration device 160 can be co-located with the ACM device 100 and becommunicatively connected to the ACM device for communication ofcalibration measurements. In turn, the ACM device 100 (e.g., a toolcontrol system toolbox 200) is communicatively connected to thenetworked calibration and/or inventory control databases 170/180 forinformation exchange purposes.

FIG. 4B shows a second configuration in which the calibrated object/tool401 is configured for electronic data transfer and is communicativelyconnected to the calibration device 160 (e.g., a torque tester). Thecalibration device 160 is again communicatively connected to the ACMdevice 100. In turn, the ACM device 100 is communicatively connected tothe networked calibration and/or inventory control databases 170/180 forinformation exchange purposes.

FIG. 4C shows a third configuration in which the calibrated object/tool401 is not configured for electronic data transfer (or the calibrationobject/tool's electronic data transfer functionality is not used). Inthis case, the calibration device 160 can be located at the ACM device100 or remote from the ACM device 100 and is communicatively connectedto the networked calibration and/or inventory control databases 170/180for information exchange purposes. The ACM device 100 and thecalibration device 160 are thus both independently connected to thenetworked calibration and/or inventory control databases 170/180 forinformation exchange purposes.

FIG. 4D shows a fourth configuration in which the calibrated object/tool401 is configured for electronic data transfer. The calibratedobject/tool 401 and the calibration device 160 can be located at the ACMdevice 100 or can be remote from the ACM device 100. The calibratedobject/tool 401, the ACM device 100, and the calibration device 160 areall communicatively connected to the networked calibration and/orinventory control databases 170/180 for information exchange purposes.

While the inventory control system discussed in relation to FIG. 2Atakes the form of a toolbox, calibrated tools including torque devicesare stored in a central repository (e.g., a tool crib) in many workenvironments and the tools are issued from the central repository totechnicians for use in disparate or remote work locations. In suchenvironments, a calibration device 160 can be provided within a toolcrib or at the point of issue (e.g., entrance and exit) of the tool cribto enable calibration measurements to be performed at the time ofentrance or exit from the tool crib. When an object/tool equipped with aunique identifier is scanned to be issued from the automated toolcontrol system (e.g., to be issued at a tool crib issue portal), thecalibration monitoring system automatically identifies the object/tooland retrieves calibration data associated to the object/tool. The systemalso provides an alert to the user that the object/tool must have itscalibration measured prior to issuance.

Calibration devices 160 such as electronic torque testers can beequipped with the capability to measure or test the calibration of tools(such as torque devices) using manually input pass/fail criteria and todisplay results. More advanced versions of the calibration tools canelectrically transfer torque measurement data to software packages foranalysis. The transfer and analysis can be done locally on thecalibration device or the data can be transferred to another device(e.g., an automated calibration monitoring device) across a network. Ineither case, however, the calibration device did not previously have thecapability to automatically identify specific objects/tools/devices andassociate pass/fail criteria or test data to the system for the specificidentified object/tool/device. For example, previously, the identity ofthe object/tool/device to be tested had to be manually input into thecalibration device by a user.

In contrast, in the automated calibration monitoring system describedherein, the calibration device 160 (e.g., torque tester) is configuredwith data processing and data storage capabilities, computing software,wired and/or wireless network communications capabilities, a userinterface, and the means for automatically inputting data. Thecalibration device 160 may be powered by an AC power supply, bybatteries, or by a combination of both batteries and/or AC power. Theuser interface may be an LED display, an LCD display or monitor, orother currently utilized technologies for displaying information. Thedata input interface for the calibration device 160 can include wired orwireless communications capabilities, keyboards, keypads, mice, RFID,optical (barcode) scanners, cameras, or the like.

Based on the functionalities described above, the automated calibrationmonitoring device can be used for auditing purposes. In particular, ifan object/tool (e.g., a torque device) fails the calibration measurementtest when it is returned to the automated calibration monitoring system,the system may retrieve from memory data indicating the work locationand/or the work order that the object/tool was issued under. In suchcases, the system can produce a report indicating that the object/toolfailed the calibration measurement test and identifying the worklocation and/or the work order under which the object/tool was lastissued. The report can be automatically distributed by email or textmessage to appropriate individuals as identified by the systemadministrator. For auditing purposes, the report can also indicate allwork locations and/or work orders that the object/tool was issued tosince the tool's last in-calibration measurement.

If the work order contains routings or information that describes theproducts on which the object/tool was used (e.g., a list of fastenerstorqued as part of the work order), the system can also list in thereport each of the products (e.g., individual fasteners) that may havebeen improperly worked on since the object/tool was last issued andpassed a calibration measurement test. The system can also create avalidation report showing all calibrated objects/tools issued against awork location or work order and their recorded calibration measurementtest values and other pertinent data.

As detailed above, the automated calibration monitoring device 100 isoperative to request calibration measurements (e.g., torquemeasurements) from a calibration device 160 and validate thecalibrations status of tools or other inventory objects stored in theautomated calibration monitoring device 100. The tools/objects generallyhave unique identifiers associated therewith and associated with tagsprovided on the tools/objects, and the identifiers and associatedtools/objects devices are identified in inventory control and/orcalibration database(s) as being tools/objects for which calibration isto be monitored. The automated calibration monitoring device 100 canthus recognize calibrated tools/objects through recognition of theunique identifiers attached to the tools/objects when the tools/objectsare issued from or returned to the system. The tools/objects furtherhave calibration data, including target calibration values, stored andassociated therewith in the database(s). The automated calibrationmonitoring system can thus require that a calibration measurement ortest be performed on a tool/object to confirm whether the calibratedtool/object is accurately in calibration prior to and/or after each useof the object. The parameters of the calibration monitoring (used todetermine whether the tool is in calibration or out of calibration) canbe determined by a user but are generally retrieved from the calibrationdatabase as calibration target values associated in the database withthe unique identifier of the tools/objects.

The automated calibration monitoring device 100 and tool control system200 (and software associated therewith and executed on systemprocessor(s)) are thus programmed to compare calibration data such astorque data for a tool as obtained from the calibration measurementdevice (e.g., torque tester) with one or more calibration target valuesfor the tool, such as calibration values which are associated with aunique identifier of the tool and which are stored in one or more of theinventory control and calibration database(s). Based on the comparison,the automated calibration monitoring device 100 can determine whetherthe tool satisfies calibration requirements set by the calibrationvalues. If the calibration requirements are not satisfied, the automatedcalibration monitoring device 100 may identify the tool as being out ofcalibration and may issue an alert to any user seeking to issue orcheck-out the tool from the system 100. The automated calibrationmonitoring system 100 can thus allow issue and return of the calibratedtool/object if the results of the calibration measurement fall within anacceptable calibration range stored for each tool/object in thecalibration database.

Upon issue of an object/tool from the automated calibration monitoringsystem, the automated calibration monitoring system can bar issue of thecalibrated object/tool if the calibration measurement value does notmeet or fall within the acceptable range of calibration values for thetool/object. For example, the system can issue audible and visualinstructions to return the tool/object which failed to meet thecalibration test criteria to an appropriate storage location in thedevice. The system can alternatively or additionally issue audible andvisual instructions to transfer the tool/object which failed to meet thecalibration test criteria to an appropriate location where the repairand re-calibration processes occur. As part of this process, theautomated calibration monitoring system can issue status alerts tousers, system administrators, calibration lab personnel, or the likewhen the tested tool/object fails to meet the calibration criteriapre-stored in the calibration database in order to enable the alertedparties to appropriately respond to the situation (e.g., byrecalibrating the object, by flagging work orders associated with theimproper calibration, or the like).

Upon return of an object/tool to the automated calibration monitoringsystem, the system can require the object/tool be returned to itsappropriate storage location within the storage device if thecalibration measurement results do not meet the acceptable calibrationrequirements when the object/tool is being returned to the storagedevice after use. Alternatively, the system can require that theobject/tool be transferred to an appropriate calibration lab if thecalibration measurement results do not meet the calibration requirement.Again, the automated calibration monitoring system can issue statusalerts to users, system administrators, calibration lab personnel, orthe like when the tested object/tool fails to meet the calibrationmeasurement criteria pre-stored in the calibration database in order toenable the alerted parties to appropriately respond to the situation(e.g., by recalibrating the object, by flagging work orders associatedwith the improper calibration, or the like).

The calibration monitoring device 100 utilizes one or more of varioussensing technologies to determine issue/return or presence/absence ofobjects from its storage. For example, the issue/return orpresence/absence of objects can be sensed using one or more ofimaging-based sensing technology (e.g., using cameras), RFID-basedsensing technology, individual switches or sensors (e.g., contact,capacitive, inductive, weight, or other sensors), such as sensingtechnologies used in automated tool control (ATC) imaging toolboxes, ATCRFID lockers, and/or ATC tool crib management systems. Further detailsof the sensing technologies and associated sensing methodologies used ininventory control are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,741,014, issued Aug.22, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Unique identifiers, such as color coded tags, RFID tags, bar codes,etc., can be attached to inventory objects or tools including calibratedobjects/tools stored in the storage container of the automatedcalibration monitoring system 100 and used to uniquely identify items(e.g., so as to distinguish between two items that are otherwiseundistinguishable to the system's sensing technology, such as twovisually identical tools being sensed using an imaging system). Examplesof identification tags including combinations of parallel colored linesforming unique color sequences are discussed in relation to FIGS. 2B-2E.

FIG. 5 provides a functional block diagram illustrations of a generalpurpose computer hardware platform that may be used as a network or hostcomputer platform to implement a server The computer platform of FIG. 5may be used to implement a server supporting the calibration database170 and/or the automated inventory control database 180 and theassociated functionalities as described herein, and may be used toimplement an inventory control server or calibration monitoring serverperforming one or more of the functionalities described in FIGS. 3A-3E.The computer platform of FIG. 5 may also be combined with user interfaceelements to implement a personal computer or other type of work stationor terminal device, such as to implement computing functionalitieswithin a calibration device 160 or object/tool 401. It is believed thatthose skilled in the art are familiar with the structure, programmingand general operation of such computer equipment and as a result thedrawings should be self-explanatory.

A server, for example that shown in FIG. 5, includes a datacommunication interface for packet data communication. The server alsoincludes a central processing unit (CPU), in the form of one or moreprocessors, for executing program instructions. The server platformtypically includes an internal communication bus, program storage anddata storage for various data files to be processed and/or communicatedby the server, although the server often receives programming and datavia network communications. The hardware elements, operating systems andprogramming languages of such servers are conventional in nature, and itis presumed that those skilled in the art are adequately familiartherewith. Of course, the server functions may be implemented in adistributed fashion on a number of similar platforms, to distribute theprocessing load.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions,magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in thisspecification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, notexact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistentwith the functions to which they relate and with what is customary inthe art to which they pertain.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow.That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as isconsistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in theclaims when interpreted in light of this specification and theprosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural andfunctional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intendedto embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement ofSections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they beinterpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subjectmatter is hereby disclaimed.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated orillustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedicationof any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recitedin the claims.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein havethe ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions withrespect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and studyexcept where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,”or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusiveinclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises a list of elements does not include only those elements butmay include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to suchprocess, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or“an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises the element.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims arehereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modificationsmay be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may beapplied in numerous applications, only some of which have been describedherein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allapplications, modifications and variations that fall within the truescope of the present teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated calibration monitoring systemcomprising: a plurality of storage locations configured to storeinventory items including a calibrated inventory item; a databasestoring information on inventory items, including the calibratedinventory item, associated with the automated calibration monitoringsystem and configured for storage in the plurality of storage locationsof the automated calibration monitoring system, wherein the databasefurther stores a calibration parameter value for the calibratedinventory item; and a processor configured to, upon the calibratedinventory item being issued from or returned to the automatedcalibration monitoring system, compare a calibration measurement of thecalibrated inventory item with the calibration parameter value for thecalibrated inventory item, wherein the processor selectively authorizesthe issue or return of the calibrated inventory item according to aresult of the comparison.
 2. The automated calibration monitoring systemof claim 1, further comprising: a calibration measurement devicecommunicatively connected to the processor and configured to perform acalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item to obtain thecalibration measurement, wherein the calibration measurement devicecommunicates the obtained calibration measurement to the processor. 3.The automated calibration monitoring system of claim 2, wherein thecalibrated inventory item is a torque wrench, and the calibrationmeasurement instrument is a torque tester.
 4. The automated calibrationmonitoring system of claim 2, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: upon the calibrated inventory item being issued from orreturned to the automated calibration monitoring system, transmit acalibration target value for the calibrated inventory item to thecalibration measurement device, wherein the processor receives theobtained calibration measurement from the calibration measurement deviceafter the transmission of the calibration target value.
 5. The automatedcalibration monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the calibrationparameter value stored in the database includes an acceptable range ofcalibration parameter values stored in the database, and the processorselectively authorizes the issue or return of the calibrated inventoryitem when the calibration measurement is within the acceptable range ofcalibration parameter values.
 6. The automated calibration monitoringsystem of claim 1, further comprising: a sensing device configured tosense information used by the processor to determine the presence orabsence of inventory items in the plurality of storage locations,wherein the processor is configured to determine presence of thecalibrated inventory item in a storage location of the plurality ofstorage locations based on the information sensed by the sensing device.7. The automated calibration monitoring system of claim 6, wherein thesensing device includes an image sensor configured to capture images ofstorage locations of the automated calibration monitoring system, andthe processor is configured to determine presence of the calibratedinventory item by determining whether the calibrated inventory item ispresent in an image captured by the image sensor.
 8. The automatedcalibration monitoring system of claim 6, wherein each inventory itemassociated with the automated calibration monitoring system has a taguniquely identifying the inventory item, and the processor is configuredto uniquely identify an inventory item present in a storage location ofthe plurality of storage locations by recognizing the tag uniquelyidentifying the inventory item in the information sensed by the sensingdevice.
 9. The automated calibration monitoring system of claim 8,wherein each inventory item associated with the automated inventorycontrol system has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag uniquelyidentifying the inventory item, and the automated inventory controlsystem further comprises an RFID sensor configured to read RFID tags ofinventory items located within the plurality of storage locations. 10.The automated calibration monitoring system of claim 1, wherein thedatabase stores records of work orders associated with previousissuances of the calibrated inventory item, and the database storesrecords of previous calibration measurements of the calibrated inventoryitem.
 11. The automated calibration monitoring system of claim 10,wherein the processor is configured to, upon determining that thecompared calibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item isinconsistent with the calibration parameter value for the calibratedinventory item, retrieve from the database all records of work ordersassociated with the calibrated inventory item and corresponding toissuances of the calibrated inventory item following the last storedrecord of a previous calibration measurement of the calibrated inventoryitem.
 12. A method for automated monitoring of calibration of inventoryitems in an automated calibration monitoring system comprising:identifying, using a sensor of the automated calibration monitoringsystem configured to sense presence or absence of inventory items, acalibrated inventory item subject to monitoring of calibration;retrieving, from a database communicatively connected to the automatedcalibration monitoring system and storing calibration parameter valuesfor each of a plurality of inventory items, a calibration parametervalue for the identified calibrated inventory item; and determining acalibration status of the calibrated identified inventory item based ona comparison of a calibration measurement of the calibrated inventoryitem with the retrieved calibration parameter value for the calibratedinventory item, wherein the automated calibration monitoring systemselectively authorizes the issue or return of the calibrated inventoryitem from a storage location of the automated calibration monitoringsystem according to a result of the determination.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: prior to the determining, receiving, froma calibration measurement device communicatively connected to theautomated calibration monitoring system and configured to perform acalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item, thecalibration measurement of the calibrated inventory item.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein the calibrated inventory item is a torque wrench,and the calibration measurement instrument is a torque tester.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: transmitting a calibrationtarget value for the calibrated inventory item to the calibrationmeasurement device, wherein the automated calibration monitoring systemreceives the calibration measurement from the calibration measurementdevice after the transmission of the calibration target value.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, wherein each inventory item associated with theautomated calibration monitoring system has a tag uniquely identifyingthe inventory item, and the automated calibration monitoring system isconfigured to uniquely identify the calibrated inventory item byrecognizing the tag uniquely identifying the calibrated inventory itemin information sensed by the sensor.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereineach inventory item associated with the automated inventory controlsystem has a visible tag uniquely identifying the inventory item, andthe automated inventory control system identifies the calibratedinventory item by identifying the visible tag of the calibratedinventory item in an image captured by an image sensing device of theautomated inventory control system.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereineach inventory item associated with the automated inventory controlsystem has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag uniquelyidentifying the inventory item, and the automated inventory controlsystem identifies the calibrated inventory item by reading the RFID tagof the calibrated inventory item.